Ilkley Thingery came into being as the result of a vision held by several members of Climate Action Ilkley, and a grant offered from Beyondly. Climate Action Ilkley is a non-profit organisation that's dedicated to promoting sharing resources, environmental sustainability and community building in Ilkley and surrounding areas.
Ilkley Thingery is a non-profit project that we hope will be used by, run by, and developed by people within our community so that it becomes an central part of our community.
Why Ilkley Thingery?
The hope and ambition driving the development of this project, is to create a sharing community where everyone has access to the resources they need to lead a sustainable and fulfilling life. By sharing resources, we can reduce waste, save money, reduce our impact on the planet and promote environmental awareness.
To build a thriving community where resource sharing is the norm, where access to a wide range of items and experiences is available to ALL. We can all help to build a sustainable future by promoting environmentally aware behaviours, fostering social connections, and providing more ways for people to access to things they need and explore their passions and hobbies.
Through the Library of Things, Members can borrow a wide range of items, including tools, gardening equipment, kitchen things, camping equipment, board games and toys, for a fraction of the cost of buying new. You can see what's available to borrow and reserve items on this website, or by calling in to the Thingery during opening hours.
If the Thingery doesn't have something that you'd like to see in the library, email me (Erika) at library-of-things@climateactionilkley.org.uk and let me know what Things you'd like me to add to the catalogue. I have created a Wish List of Things that people have asked me to add to the library. If you have any of the Things on our Wish List that you'd be happy to donate or loan to the Thingery, please let me know by calling in to the Thingery during Opening Hours, or Emailing us at library-of-things@climateactionilkley.org.uk. Please Don't bring things in without checking with me whether they're wanted or can be stored at the Thingery.
Becoming a member of Ilkley Thingery is easy and affordable. Membership fees start at just £2 per year. Item borrowing fees (c. £0.37 - £3 per day) are based on the Item and the number of days you Borrow Things. Discounts on longer term loans are available (contact Erika at library-of-things@climateactionilkley.org.uk for details). Register to become a member today.
The Ilkley Thingery is run mostly by one person (the project manager, Erika Shilling), who has given hundreds of hours to set up, develop and run this project, and by another person who has given many hours keeping the tools and equipment in our library in good working order, maintaining and repairing our stock. We also have a small number of volunteers who help with jobs within the library and with covering some of the shifts during opening hours.
The Thingery needs more people to join the project to take on some of the workload, and volunteer to help during opening hours. It would be wonderful if a team of volunteers could cover regular shifts within the library, which would then allow us to open more frequently. The Thingery is currently normally open on only 3 days each week, because there are not enough volunteers to open the Thingery on additional days. When there are enough volunteers to do so, the Thingery will open on additional days. Please volunteer with us.
There are many ways to get involved with Ilkley Thingery. You can become a member, volunteer your time and skills (e.g., be at the Thingery for a shift to process loans, organise or clean stock, and sort donations, repair things, PAT test electrical things, build shelves), or make a donation to support this project. Follow on social media to stay up-to-date with latest news and events, or visit during opening hours to see what the Thingery has to offer.
Thank you for your interest in Ilkley Thingery. I look forward to welcoming you to our community.
Dr Erika Shilling.
Project Manager.
Page last updated: 24/08/2024.